W.R. Grace & Co. was involved in the manufacture and sale of asbestos-containing products through its purchase of the Zonolite Company.  Zonolite incorporated asbestos into certain building products.  W.R. Grace & Co., or companies it acquired, manufactured asbestos-containing products, including spray fireproofing, plaster, cement and surface products.  W.R. Grace & Co. also mined and processed vermiculite, which contained asbestos.

On April 2, 2001 W.R. Grace & Co. filed a voluntary petition for relief under chapter 11 of the Bankruptcy Code.